Tag: believe

faith, God, Hope, Life, Religion and Spirituality, Spirituality

Stand Strong in the Storms of Life

Life can be a storm sometimes. Sometimes it seems like storms come for no good reason. Life doesn’t always make sense. I have had one of those months. I had the flu and was out of work for 4 days. One of my kids was in an accident due to the winter road conditions and my truck got totaled. They were ok, thank God. God protects His kids, that’s for sure. But not the vehicle. Total loss is what they said. The GAP insurance I thought I had didn’t carry over when we changed insurance companies. Ouch. And hey, I just got a bill for the telephone pole that was broken in half, ugh… it’s been a month.

These are the times I have to stand strong and believe that God is with me during the storm, in the waves of trouble and turbulence. Just stand Diana, God knows, God sees, and He will make a way where there seems to be no way. One of my friends made a generous offer for us to buy her deceased husband’s truck. A man I played music with for over 10 years. She is such a blessing to me. My best friend, I love her.

These are the days I have to trust God and believe what He says, even if I don’t see it yet. Guess it’s time to use this faith muscle I have and trust God. I struggle with trust. I have been betrayed, cheated on, rejected…we all have. Trust is a choice. I have chosen to trust the wrong people in my past. I was so naive. I trusted everyone and got hurt. Time and wisdom teaches you to test the spirits. Not everyone should be trusted. There are a lot of liars out there.

But what about God? Truthfully, I am still learning to trust Him. It’s new. He is faithful, that is new. He is honest, that is new. He is truthful, that is new. Yeah, kinda blows my mind sometimes! I am learning to stand on His Word, just cause He said it.

What about you? How do you learn to trust God and stand strong?

Bible Verses About Standing Strong

“Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil.” – Ephesians 6:11

“Likewise you younger people, submit yourselves to your elders. Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for “God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble.” Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you. Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world. But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you. To Him be the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.” -1 Peter 5:5-11 NKJV

“Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong. Let all that you do be done with love.” 1 Corinthians 16:13-14 NJKV

“Seeing then that we have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” – Hebrews 4:14-16 NKJV

“Therefore, my beloved and longed-for brethren, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, beloved.” – Philippians 4:1 NKJV

“Therefore, brethren, having boldness to enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way which He consecrated for us, through the veil, that is, His flesh, and having a High Priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.” – Hebrews 10:19-25 NKJV

“But those who wait on the Lord

Shall renew their strength;

They shall mount up with wings like eagles,

They shall run and not be weary,

They shall walk and not faint.” – Isaiah 40:31 NKJV

faith, God, Hope, Religion and Spirituality, Spirituality

God Will Restore All that has been Lost in the Hurricanes and Fires and Earthquakes

God will restore all that has been lost this past year in the midst of the hurricnes, fires,and earthquakes in our land. It has been a season of natural disasters. As Sister Bonnie taught us last week, the Earth is getting tired, just like us. The Earth is longing for  a Savior, just like us.

 

“Lift up your eyes to the heavens,
Then look to the earth beneath;
For the heavens will be torn to pieces and vanish like smoke,
And the earth will wear out like a garment
And its inhabitants will die in like manner.
But My salvation will be forever,
And My righteousness (justice) [and faithfully fulfilled promise] will not be broken.” – Isaiah 52:6 AMP

And it is your FAITH that will get you there.

Faith

“But without faith it is impossible to [walk with God and] please Him, for whoever comes [near] to God must [necessarily] believe that God exists and that He rewards those who [earnestly and diligently] seek Him.” – Hebrews 11:6

By faith Moses belived, by faith Noah Believed, by faith Abraham believed, by faith…Remember Hebrews 11? The FAITH chapter!

Now, a moment of truth, it may be restored in the world or you may have to wait – but it will be resotred in the world to come.

Are you ready for the next chapter of your life? God is with you.

Seem impossible right now? God is with you.

Just like He was with the Disciples in the boat during that storm He is with you.

Remember what He said – we are going to the OTHER SIDE!

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“Now faith is the assurance (title deed, confirmation) of things hoped for (divinely guaranteed), and the evidence of things not seen [the conviction of their reality—faith comprehends as fact what cannot be experienced by the physical senses]. For by this [kind of] faith the [a]men of old gained [divine] approval.
By faith [that is, with an inherent trust and enduring confidence in the power, wisdom and goodness of God] we understand that the worlds (universe, ages) were framed and created [formed, put in order, and equipped for their intended purpose] by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things which are visible.” – Hebrews 11: 1-3 AMP

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Besides, this is not the end of God’s story.

He is not finished yet – with us or with his plan.

Yeah, this part kinda sucks. Nobody likes disasters. Nobody likes hardships, or no electricity, or floods, or fires. That is not from God. He didn’t send it. He is for us, not against us. He is WITH US in the storm. And the new Earth will look way different than this one – way better – He promised!

Do you know Him?

Have you met Him, this Jesus?

He’s kinda a big deal…

 

New Heavens and a New Earth
“Behold, I am creating new heavens and a new earth;
And the former things [of life] will not be remembered or come to mind.

“But be glad and rejoice forever over what I create;
Behold, I am creating Jerusalem to be a source of rejoicing
And her people a joy.

“I will also rejoice in Jerusalem and be glad in My people;
And there will no longer be heard in her
The voice of weeping and the sound of crying.” – Isaiah 65: 17-19 AMP

 

God will restore.jpg

 

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Hope, Spirituality

Here Comes the Fruit!

We have this beautiful cherry tree in our yard. This past week it started to bloom and that got me thinking. You know all winter it was just branches. It looked pretty dead. But there was life in there just waiting to bloom! It had to wait – for just the right time. If it had bloomed in Winter the blossoms would have frozen. If it had bloomed in Summer the blossoms would have shriveled from the heat. But it is Spring – and just the right time for it and us to bloom.

Sometimes things look ‘dead’. Like nothing will ever happen. But have faith my friends – there is life in you! Jesus promised that if we abide in the vine we would bear much fruit. Soon we will blossom, right where we are. And where there is a blossom, there will be fruit!

 

BIBLE VERSE ON FLOWERS

    1. The wilderness and the dry land shall be glad; the desert shall rejoice and blossom like the rose and the autumn crocus. It shall blossom abundantly and rejoice even with joy and singing. The glory of Lebanon shall be given to it, the excellency of [Mount] Carmel and [the plain] of Sharon. They shall see the glory of the Lord, the majesty and splendorand excellency of our God. (Isaiah 35:1-2 AMP)

    2. Consider the lilies, how they grow. They neither [wearily] toil nor spin nor weave; yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory (his splendor and magnificence) was not arrayed like one of these.  But if God so clothes the grass in the field, which is alive today, and tomorrow is thrown into the furnace, how much more will He clothe you, O you [people] of little faith? (Luke 12:27-28 AMP)

    3. [She said] I am only a little rose or autumn crocus of the plain of Sharon, or a [humble] lily of the valleys [that grows in deep and difficult places].

      But Solomon replied, Like the lily among thorns, so are you, my love, among the daughters.

      Like an apple tree among the trees of the wood, so is my beloved [shepherd] among the sons [cried the girl]! Under his shadow I delighted to sit, and his fruit was sweet to my taste. (Song of Solomon 2:1-3 AMP)

    4.  I will heal their faithlessness; I will love them freely, for My anger is turned away from [Israel].

      I will be like the dew and the night mist to Israel; he shall grow and blossom like the lily and cast forth his roots like [the sturdy evergreens of] Lebanon.

      His suckers and shoots shall spread, and his beauty shall be like the olive tree and his fragrance like [the cedars and aromatic shrubs of] Lebanon.

      They that dwell under his shade shall return; they shall revive like the grain and blossom like the vine; the scent of it shall be like the wine of Lebanon. (Hosea 14:4-7 AMP)

    5. The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever. (Isaiah 40:8 AMP)

    6. And the glory (majesty and splendor) of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together; for the mouth of the Lord has spoken it.

      A voice says, Cry [prophesy]! And I said, What shall I cry? [The voice answered, Proclaim:] All flesh is as frail as grass, and all that makes it attractive [its kindness, its goodwill, its mercy from God, its glory and comeliness, however good] is transitory, like the flower of the field.

      The grass withers, the flower fades, when the breath of the Lord blows upon it; surely [all] the people are like grass.

      The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever. (Isaiah 40:5-8 AMP)

 

Music, Uncategorized, Videos

The Power of Influence

Influence is the capacity to have an effect on the character, development, or behavior of someone or something, or the effect itself.

The Power of Influence

  • The power of influence lives in your words.

  • We have the ability to build someone up or tear someone down with our words.

  • Our words carry power and may live long beyond the moment that they are said.

  • Other people can either accept or reject our words – regardless if they are true or not.

  • Sometimes people say words over us that we accept as true when they are false.

  • We become what we believe.

  • The words we say over ourselves have the same influence – to build us up, or tear us down.

I have heard it said that the brain takes the shape of what it rests upon. They call this plasticity in psychology.  It means you get to choose what you believe and that choice changes the functioning of your brain and the relationships between you and yourself and you and the world. Remember the story of the Eagle who was caught in the hen house? (Read it here: The Eagle and the Chickens)

I had a recent experience that really opened up my eyes to how our words have influence. Sometimes I go listen to live music at the local coffee shops and stuff. Not only here, but other places too. And this time I just listened – to the words of the singers and watched the crowd’s reaction to their songs.

wordsSome songs were just downright depressing. Can I tell you I used to do that? When I first started playing out I did all my ‘dark’ songs. Ugggh. I can’t believe I did that. I think I just wanted to get it out and get on with it. No wonder the crowd was speechless afterwards. Forgive me for being so selfish.

Other songs that the musicians sang were positive and had the crowd smiling and singing along. And I finally got it. It’s not about our songs – it’s about their song – their story. As songwriters we should help them to remember something and then minister to them right there. Music Ministers bringing health and healing and song – now that’s what I want to sing about. I am not going to leave them sitting in the pain. From now on, I will use my words to minister to them and bring light into their darkness. Enough about my darkness, I don’t live there anymore.  Be the Light.words 2

I am learning a few cover songs to play out and about now. There is something about getting the audience to laugh and sing a long. It’s like I’m not the only one who ever felt that way or did that thing. And I am changing the ‘tone’ of my songs to a positive outcome. Enough whining and crying – no more tears in my beer!

I think it’s time to write a power anthem girls rock song, lol!

positive words

 

For the rest, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is worthy of reverence and is honorable and seemly, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely and lovable, whatever is kind and winsome and gracious, if there is any virtue and excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think on and weigh and take account of these things [fix your minds on them].

Practice what you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, and model your way of living on it, and the God of peace (of untroubled, undisturbed well-being) will be with you. (Philippians 4:8-9 AMP)

 

(All images from Pinterest)

 

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Healing, Spirituality, Videos

Rewrite the Ending to Your Story

Do you like to read?

Have you ever read a book and got all the way to the ending only to be disappointed with the way the Author finished the story?

What if you could rewrite the ending of your story?

Is it time to fan the flames and rekindle the fire of your dreams?

These are questions I am pondering today.  I have been sitting still for too long. Waiting, and waiting, and wondering.  Yes I have prayed. Yes I have listened. But sometimes I think God just wants us to stop trying to understand everything and just GET UP!  I truly believe He will heal us on the journey, on the way.

Water that stops moving turns green and yucky. The current keeps things fresh and gets rid of the debris.  Let the river flow! I guess my point is, sometimes I get stuck in thinking, “things will always be this way.” That is just not true.  God has always lead me out of the darkness and into the light.  But sometimes I feel like I am squinting because I have been in the ‘cave’ so long. Know what I mean?

Yes, I have accepted many things in this life – more than I should have. And it cost me – a lot.  I said yes to things I never should have. I wasted years of my life following deadbeat guys around to nowhere.  I didn’t follow my heart. I didn’t follow God. I followed a really sick man – well, men – for many, many years. But that is water under the bridge, I can’t change it, I can’t go back. But I don’t have to stay stuck in my memories either. We made it, but now what?

Truthfully, I gave up on dreaming a long time ago. Yeah, really. Plan A, B, and C didn’t work, so I guess I threw in the towel. When you live one crisis to the next, there is little time to dream. When you are working 3 jobs just to support the kids cause the ex won’t, you get a little too tired to dream. Life got in the way. But things are changing! Hallelujah, thank you Jesus! A new season is upon us my friends. And I for one, want to start to dream again. I want to look forward to good things from God in my future instead of looking back with regret. Turn around, repent – for me that means I need to look FORWARD to GOOD things. Now that’s a change, lol!

And yes, I am getting older. I do more thinking and reflecting now than when I was younger.  But hey, I am not dead yet, lol! And my story is not over yet – and neither is yours! God is still writing, and He is still using us to create beautiful and amazing things. Lets fan the flame. God isn’t done with us yet – we are still breathing.  Ignite your dreams again. Believe in a future again. I dare you!

What are the dreams in your heart?

What are your goals?

What would you like to do with the next chapter?

So, let’s play.  What 3 things would you write in the next chapter of your story?

3 new endings to my story:

  1.  I would go to Nashville with my husband. We never had a Honeymoon. I want to live and breathe music from the heart of Nashville.  My husband and I play music together all the time – it would be fun! And this girl has to get a Cowboy Hat and some boots. And go horseback riding again. And we would have to take another trip to take the kiddos. I never really got to take my kids on a vacation. After a divorce, you do the best you can with what you have.  I am not complaining, I love all my kids. I just wish I had more opportunity to show them the world.
  2.  I would probably move.  I like the town we are in, but this broken down farmhouse has me depressed. It needs a new roof, the ceilings are leaking, new windows, new electrical. And seriously, it only has a shower.  I am a girl. I need a bathtub.  I must have been nuts thinking I could live without a bathtub.  I love the land. Maybe we should tear it down and start over. Yeah I know. Need the money first.
  3.  I would travel. I want to go and meet my music buddy tmv from PA. I want to go say hi to Nathaniel and Kelly and their new baby.  I would love to go hear Nashville Joe’s poems, and I really want to go hear Penny Towers sing too, and Dianne MacAdam – she rocks!  And Cyndi, and Peter, and the other Peter, and DeDe, and Darius, and Kathy Meyers, and Chameleon,and Kenney, and you too!  Wow we really need a jam session! And then there are all my blogging friends – Susan, Cheryl, Tami, Seeker, Loopyloo, Laura, Skye, Ana, Dawn, Morgan, Harry, Wendell,  Secret Angel, Natalie, Debbie, and Deborah, and Apostle Cross, and Patty B, Karina, the Warrioress, Steve, and you!  I have way too many friends all over the world!  Wouldn’t it be fun to get together?

Leave me a comment, let’s dream together today. What are your 3 alternative endings?

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(All images from Pinterest)